The Naperizer...

[DDT (12)]

The Naperizer…
 
Have any of you noticed an increase in nap tendencies as you’ve aged? I have. Boy, have I!!! Not just getting a wee bit drowsy on rare occasions or even now and then, but… seriously wanting to close one's eyes and snooze… Heck, I sometimes have it slip-up and surprise me. I’ve even not realized this until I’ve been awakened from… Usually this happens when I’m watching TV, and the sound of the thudding TV remote hitting the floor jolts me back from dreamland, but not always! Dangerous in the extreme if this happens while we’re riding or driving!
 
Troutdude probably saved my life! A couple of times on one of our many, many rides together, he noticed me driving erratically, so he pulled around and pulled me over. Man, those were some near disastrous events! Naturally, I’d figured I could fight-it-off; but apparently I wasn’t doing very well at that! Those instances seem to arise mostly on bright, warm days while cruising long stretches… Time for some serious changes…
 
I now carry between the risers on our girl a jug of caffeinated beverage… ‘Kickstart’ primarily, which is a version of Mountain Dew on caffeine steroids. Sometimes the jug contains Mountain Dew itself. Also, just having Gatorade, even water, is very useful and helpful. Staying hydrated is critical, but remaining alert is the principle aim here… Often I can sip while riding, but that is risky! That even led to a crash once upon a time... Normally I prefer to pull over to take a swig…
 
I’ve also adjusted my eating habits and diet some. Hard6 made some very useful suggestions on that, and that has helped a bunch. I’ve also changed my reaction to the very first symptoms of drowsiness and begun taking positive action immediately like stopping right away for an untimed break. I’ve also for some time been carrying with me a folding ‘camp chair’, so I can just pull off the road at the first opportunity, find a shady spot and have a relaxing interlude… Even when accompanied by other riders, I still do that… I’m sure most aren’t overly enthusiastic about these unexpected stops, but no one complains… so far anyway.
 
A side benefit to that, in addition to the obvious safety aspects, is that it sometimes results in some scenic vistas being studied more in-depth during the pause that might otherwise not have been appreciated nearly as much, maybe even have gone completely unnoticed altogether. Not to mention the usually included ‘relief’ opportunity when scooting about in the out and beyond areas, and the obvious but always welcome break in cumulative fanny fatigue… When traveling alone, I’ve actually begun to look forward to those pauses.
 
Beside a babbling brook running right next to the parking lot for viewing Lake Louise in Alberta. I’d already gazed in awe at that majestic lake many times, so I opted to be ‘bike guard’ for my companions instead… and you just know what happened during that vigil while they were off viewing the incredible beauty of that scenic natural wonder…

 
Other views with ‘enhanced’ enjoyment…
 
Overlook ascending Magazine Mountain, Arkansas…

Out west someplace…
potato poem funny
Western slope of Big Horn Mountains, US HWY 14A, northern Wyoming…

 
I’ve even napped in the comfort of friends’ shops while they worked on our girl… (L-R: Lucky13, Troutdude, and MitchO in the background while changing rear tire and performing rear-end service. Big Wolf took the picture.)
a sad poem about life
 
My companions don’t always merely tolerate my little quirk… sometimes they join right in too! (Big Wolf)

 
Some situations just aren’t ideal (Rawlins, WY.)…

 
Other times there’s little reason not to… (MitchO with yours truly, northern Iowa.)
poems by unknown authors
 
That chair comes in handy for other purposes, as well… like changing the oil & filter on our babies…

 
Naps: Who needs them? Well, I for one surely do!!!
 
DDT
 
 


 

[Oss]

How true that once you get tired there is no getting untired

Ive sworn off heavy carbs just before and during a ride,  Having just broken 240 I need to cut them out entirely, at least for a good while

Sunflower and pumkin seeds and peanuts are a good gas station break snack for me now, wash down with some water and good for another 140 miles unless really hot out.

Love the idea of carrying a comfy chair on rides,

Maybe a camelback with mountain dew in it will help you drink while riding so you dont fall again

[Rams]

Maybe a camelback with mountain dew in it will help you drink while riding so you dont fall again

Or if, perhaps one of those coffee pot/laundry combos were available on the back of the fat lady?   A 12 volt version would be ideal.  

[Valker]

Gotta caution against carbonated anything in a CamelBak.... The bag can blow up or you can get a pressure wash from whatever is in there.
Diet Mountain Dew is my go to carry caffeine. Several truck stops carry extra caffeine coffee. I like beef jerky for my snacks as they are also loaded with salt as well as no carbs.

[Jess from VA]

Oh yea, I love me some naps.  In my 10 years of retirement, I've gained a PhD in them.

After a lifetime of living the protestant ethic of hard work and drive to succeed, win and outsmart and outwork the other guy, when I started taking afternoon naps, it seemed like the height of decadence (thus adding to the enjoyment).

But I do all my napping in my (new and wonderful) bed, as sitting naps have resulted in a seriously kinked neck often enough that I will not allow them.

The full size Lazy Boy recliner in my big van that was destined for the dump, remains in my Promaster.  It's all screwed up and shabby, but it beats the hell out of the drivers seat or the floor.

I've never used it yet, but the portable urinal in there has been a Godsend many, many times.  

[msb]

That picture of you and ALI in full relax mode gazing down across that valley is an awesome shot... "serenity".
Also, that pic of your full service  crew taking care of the tire change/rear end service....looks like an ad from the 50's, they should all be wearing nice matching Texaco or Gulf uni's. Must be nice to have your own personal pit crew

[..]

Magazine Mtn Lodge used to do a good Sunday BBQ buffet

[bassman]

I think naps are pretty much the norm as we get older.  I was NEVER able to take a nap until my mid 60's and now they seem to come more often and much easier.  Also, one of the possible side effects of any radiation treatment and/or hormone therapy is fatigue which leads to more naps also.  I've  just learned to enjoy them whenever possible.

[Ropestart]

Tips for quickly taking a nap in a chair:
(1) Be old
(2) Sit in a chair

[MarkT]

Amazing.  You sir, have your priorities in order!  That you will make space for a nap chair given your limited luggage is telling!  Might I suggest bungie on a reclining lawn chair might be even better!  So you can rest your head and neck w/o getting a crick.  Now you can take that advise with a fin and get a nice cup of joe.  No wait, if you're napping that would be wrong.  Maybe some warm milk?

[f6gal]

The Naperizer…
 
... some scenic vistas being studied more in-depth during the pause that might otherwise not have been appreciated nearly as much ...

With your eyes closed?  LOL (j/k)

Personally, I'm cursed with being a terrible sleeper overall.  Despite that, I find that riding in the warm sun will often result in drowsiness.  Pulling off doesn't help much, 'cuz if I actually try to sleep, it won't happen.  I have to distract myself by playing little games in my head. 

When I've been on long rides with Motomama, we do things like the Hand Jive (dance), simulated baseball (a pitcher and hitter), Valkyrie moments (you know, wasting gas ), and a bunch of other fun stuff.  One of those times, at the end of day, Damon commented, "Connie did everything except ride a motorcycle today."   Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!  (Of course, all that takes place on long, straight, boring roads with no traffic issues. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Taking naps wherever available has been a godsend for me. I’m sure it’s saved my life a time or two. I’ve nearly nodded off many a time while driving. But strangely, I’ve never felt close while riding. I snore so loud that nobody else stands a chance of a nap. 

I’ve always enjoyed this one. I don’t remember who attached the note. But I couldn’t resist snapping a pic after returning from a ride.

[John Schmidt]

I have one of those fold-up chairs, never thought of taking it with me on the bike. Now with the trike and no corider, I should have plenty of room. Might even look for one with a tall back so as to rest my head. Naps, fast becoming a favorite pasttime like today especially...been snowing for a few hours. More than once the TV watches me! 

[scooperhsd]

Sleep? what's that ?

Until I started taking gabapentin, falling back asleep was an exercise in futility for me - net result of maybe 4-5 hours of sleep and 4-5 hours of laying awake in bed. The one plus - I could fall asleep in a chair to take a nap, especially for boring programming.

[Bigwolf]

You caught me napping!
Yes, I remember times that I never took a nap during the day but now the idea, and indeed the need, comes more and more often. .......... I wonder if the company I keep has anything to do with that. ....... naw, it’s just the accumulation of years of bad habits for this old wolf.  I am happy to know that I am not the only rider that gets drowsy.

Hey, I recognize several of those photos!


Bigwolf

[Willow]

If the timing of the need to nap regularly follows a meal it could be an indication of high blood sugar.   

Or it could just be that we're getting older.   

[f6gal]

If the timing of the need to nap regularly follows a meal it could be an indication of high blood sugar.   

Or it could just be that we're getting older.   

It's more likely that the body's energy is directed to digestive functions, especially if you over-indulge.  Siestas after meals are basic biology. 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373631

https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2016/10/04/why-do-we-feel-sleepy-after-eating-a-meal.html

[DDT (12)]

Everyone,

As always, I do appreciate all the replies, comments, and suggestions a bunch! The anecdotes, too, I found to be both informative and useful, not to mention many were plumb humorous… for example, I never knew hand gestures could be used for that! It seems carbs were by far the largest culprit on my list of non-age-related egregious offenders. No sugar problems have ever been diagnosed, mercifully, however that could certainly change down the road.

I didn’t know before about carbs and that aspect of their effects on our bodies. Following yet another breakfast of a large order of biscuits ‘n gravy one fine day, I later complained about becoming drowsy… yet again… My companion at the time, Hard6, opined it was no wonder considering all the carbs I had nearly every morning! I immediately stopped that practice on ride/drive days… I’d truly hate to be forced to give them up entirely, though. If I even eat lunch at all, I try to stick with proteins and stay away from carbs nowadays.

I have considered the more luxurious folding recliner chairs for rides… I’ve not gone that way so far, though, because they are, in my experience, a bit bulkier and just a little more awkward to deploy and use… I may go that way eventually, but so far no neck cricks or other ill-effects from the regular chair, plus the other uses for which I employ the regular ones are more easily accomplished with the one I now use, so… The current one does have arms, however, and I do find that to be a most desirable feature.

As for a ‘pit crew’… I don’t really have one, per se, but I do have many friends who’ve generously helped our girl out with her mechanical needs! I have none of the requisite skills, knowledge, tools, or shop to perform any of that myself, so if a friend or two don’t assist with it, then I’m left with visiting a bike shop.

Bike shops are not the best alternative, for sure, compounded by the fact issues have arisen all over the continent, and with the style and length of our rides plus the cumulative mileage she now has, unique sets of circumstances and needs present themselves. One of the disadvantages of that is that we more often than not have to locate then go to a new-to-us shop! Many times we not only have not been there before, but it’s also unlikely we’ll ever return either… so we’re completely at the mercy of the shop folks and their attitude towards out-of-town one-time customers…

As our vintage rides continue to age and the length of time since they’ve been out of production increases, that becomes even more risky. It sure is nice, essential really, that the skills of some of our members have thus far been available! I’ve actually had a couple of Honda mechanics ask me what kind of bike our girl is!!! Not confidence building at all…

I also didn’t know about the Sunday BBQ buffet at the Magazine Mountain Lodge. I have been there, even considered staying there a time or two, but I’ve never dined there… maybe next time if we're there on a Sunday… No thought ever given to mounting a 'coffee maker, lingerie laundry' combo unit at all! And YES! I’m certain some of those pics I included look familiar to some of you!!! Funny, for a mostly solitary guy, I do frequently find myself in the company of some mighty fine folks!!!

DDT

[h13man]

The Naperizer…
 
Have any of you noticed an increase in nap tendencies as you’ve aged? I have. Boy, have I!!! Not just getting a wee bit drowsy on rare occasions or even now and then, but… seriously wanting to close one's eyes and snooze… Heck, I sometimes have it slip-up and surprise me. I’ve even not realized this until I’ve been awakened from… Usually this happens when I’m watching TV, and the sound of the thudding TV remote hitting the floor jolts me back from dreamland, but not always! Dangerous in the extreme if this happens while we’re riding or driving!
 
Troutdude probably saved my life! A couple of times on one of our many, many rides together, he noticed me driving erratically, so he pulled around and pulled me over. Man, those were some near disastrous events! Naturally, I’d figured I could fight-it-off; but apparently I wasn’t doing very well at that! Those instances seem to arise mostly on bright, warm days while cruising long stretches… Time for some serious changes…
 
I now carry between the risers on our girl a jug of caffeinated beverage… ‘Kickstart’ primarily, which is a version of Mountain Dew on caffeine steroids. Sometimes the jug contains Mountain Dew itself. Also, just having Gatorade, even water, is very useful and helpful. Staying hydrated is critical, but remaining alert is the principle aim here… Often I can sip while riding, but that is risky! That even led to a crash once upon a time... Normally I prefer to pull over to take a swig…
 

Naps: Who needs them? Well, I for one surely do!!!
 
DDT

"Me needs them me needs them, they so precious."

We carry Kick Start in the saddlebags wrapped in my "golf weather" pullover/cooler wrap when out and about on Sunday rides. When I was working I'd have a KS before going on shift. Everybody thought I had a Bud Lite in my hand as the blueberry pomegranate is my favorite and low carb compared to regular Dew. By far the best as they are so subtle in the kick department. Yes full sun rides especially on cooler days are a problem. Find myself having to move around a lot more to stay awake. Momma knows when I become less attentive but she has tendency to nap also and usually 1st. one to do so thus KS breaks have to happen.

[hubcapsc]

Once, when coming home from a multi-day ride based in Knoxville,
I started getting real sleepy. I got maybe the only RedBull I've
ever had. It tasted like cough medicine, but it gave me wings!

-Mike

[DDT (12)]

 h13man,

KS works well for me, but I don’t get far after drinking before needing some ‘relief’! MD isn’t much better in that regard, but water and Gatorade work best for most applications. I still carry KS or MD between the risers anyway, though… So many choices!!!

DDT



Mike,

I’ve tried most ‘energy drinks’, including Red Bull… Besides the unappealing to me taste, I might as well hang around and wait right where I drink that stuff, as a washroom call will come very quickly! After that, however, ‘they give me wings, too’! KS works almost as well for me, tastes much better, and I can usually ride to another stop down the road someplace… as long as it’s fairly close!

DDT

[Bigwolf]

My body does not tolerate a large dose of caffeine very well so I have to be careful with those eye popping liquids like KS or MD.  I love the taste of MD but never drink more than 12oz and that only when I am desperate.  I am afraid to try an energy drink!

My go to when I find myself getting drowsy is unsweetened ice tea.  Thankfully, a little of that does a good job of getting my eyes open most of the time. 

Bigwolf

[Wizzard]

I just stop and get a cup of coffee. Always works for me. I find that drowsiness usually hits me after a big meal.
I have never had nor tasted even one energy drink.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I just stop and get a cup of coffee. Always works for me. I find that drowsiness usually hits me after a big meal.
I have never had nor tasted even one energy drink.

I took a sip of a Red Bull once. I have no idea how anybody can drink those things.  kept me from ever trying a sip of any of the others.

[Thunderbolt]

Drop the remote........been there done that.  Reminds me of a story from way back when I used to go fishing with a friend to the Steinhatchee Fl. area.  Not too long after getting the lines in the water one morning my friend Pierre got real quiet and I noticed that his fishing pole was laying on the edge of the boat.  Getting up real early and driving long distances had an affect on us even when we were younger.

[Jess from VA]

I just stop and get a cup of coffee. Always works for me. I find that drowsiness usually hits me after a big meal.   I have never had nor tasted even one energy drink.

Me either.  Except really, coffee, tea (and some high caffeine sodas) are just the original energy drinks.

I've never bought any of that fancy expensive Starbucks store cups of coffee either, but I have bought some of that fancy expensive ice cold frappuccino out of the 711 cooler after getting sleepy riding/driving.  Later in the day, the cold is less likely to cause me any emergency bowel moving moments than the hot.  

Food (especially lunch) does make me sleepy riding/driving too, so I generally fast when putting in long days, just living on water, ice tea, coffee, maybe a small snack, and Wrigley's spearmint chewing gum (which I almost never ride without some in my mouth, but never use any other time), and tobacco (nicotine being my drug of choice).  

I've had way too many occasions of almost falling asleep soon after a big lunch out riding with a few guys.  This goes against the big ride to eat, eat to ride crowd, but that's how I roll.  Plus, I came out here to ride, not sit around some restaurant stuffing my face (even if the food is a lot better than what I'm used to having at home).  

[MarkT]

I have had to avoid protein and carbos when travelling if it's a longer trip.  That means no burgers, eggs, sandwiches, very little or no meat, home cooking style meals.  I can do well (no problem with drowsiness) with salads.  Fortunately McDonalds is everywhere and they have a better than expected salad, specifically the Southwestern salad with Newman's SW dressing.  Exclusive to McD's and a great taste.  I ask them to go light on the chicken.  Also can eat asian if it's light on meat, heavy on veggies and small portions - rice is also carbos.  Soups work as well, especially veggie soups.

In a cage - where I'm more likely to get sleepy - I keep crushed ice in a Yeti cup.  Get sleepy, keep ice in your mouth.  That kills the drowsiness.  I also chain-drink those 7-11 Starbucks cappucinos.

On a bike - I have a quart Yeti cup holding ice & flavored water held in a Butler cup.  When the drink runs out, time to stop, refill the cup, whiz, gas if needed and walk around for 10 minutes.  Lately I pull a Tagalong trailer with a cooler full of ice and water.  I can replenish the cup myself, only need gas every other stop with 9.5 gallons onboard.  Adequate to stop at rest stops or parks with jons half the time.  This method enables Iron Butt rides; staying awake easily and with Russell seat with backrest, highway pegs, pull-back bars and Rostra electronic cruise my Jade fits me better than my wing - and is more conducive to very long distance odysseys sans drowsiness.

[henry 008]

If the timing of the need to nap regularly follows a meal it could be an indication of high blood sugar.   

Or it could just be that we're getting older.   

thats my wife to a T. after she eats lunch or supper she needs to take a nap. and not a 30 min cat nap, she's out for at least 4 hours! 

[Jess from VA]

If the timing of the need to nap regularly follows a meal it could be an indication of high blood sugar.   

Or it could just be that we're getting older.   

thats my wife to a T. after she eats lunch or supper she needs to take a nap. and not a 30 min cat nap, she's out for at least 4 hours! 

That gives you a perfect opportunity to practice your tuba.   

[Rocketman]

On a bike - I have a quart Yeti cup holding ice & flavored water held in a Butler cup.  When the drink runs out, time to stop, refill the cup, whiz, gas if needed and walk around for 10 minutes.  Lately I pull a Tagalong trailer with a cooler full of ice and water.  I can replenish the cup myself, only need gas every other stop with 9.5 gallons onboard.  Adequate to stop at rest stops or parks with jons half the time.  This method enables Iron Butt rides; staying awake easily and with Russell seat with backrest, highway pegs, pull-back bars and Rostra electronic cruise my Jade fits me better than my wing - and is more conducive to very long distance odysseys sans drowsiness.

What do you use to hold the Yeti cup?  Everything I've used is too top heavy for the big cups like that.

[crow]

There's coffee company out of Chicago, Stewarts. They've in their product line, a blend called Red Eye. Developed in WWII for bomber pilots. I always take a thermos on a long ride

[Mooskee]

The Naperizer 2.0

Maybe we need to market this. My thanks to the people whose pictures I stole off the internet.